Michigan

LETTER: Let's not avoid debate over Bible's authority

As stated in a letter to the editor on March 8 (Grand Valley Advance) by local pastor Josh Thurkettle, "Dismissing the Bible's Authority Leads to Unending Debate." This, he explains, is a bad thing. It is not.Rational discussion and debate about morality are edifying for everyone involved. When we have to defend our stance, we must have a valid reason for our actions. The response, “because the Bible says so,” is an often used but essentially powerless answer to any moral question, and could not possibly stand up in any rational debate.Thus, I can see how a biblical literalist may view debate as something to be avoided. When the "proof" of the Bible's authority comes from quoting verses, we have already stepped outside the bounds of rational thought. Most religious texts make the same assertion, and the flaw in logic is most often overlooked by adherents. The, "It's True Because it Says it's True," fallacy is not one that can rationally be defended.When left with the task of defending an indefensible position, what better way to hide the weakness of such an argument than to vilify not only the opposition, but the mere concept of questioning a self-proclaimed authority? If we can’t rationally defend our stance, attack rationality. It's a tried-and-true sleight of hand which is so obviously flawed that it borders on silliness, were it not for the frightening fact that it is a core tenant of nearly every religion out there.The reason the Bible has been accepted as an authority by so many generations is probably because it can be cherry-picked to justify nearly anything. Love your neighbor? Check. Murder your disobedient kids? Check. Don't eat pork? Check. Eat pork? Check. Help out with those less fortunate? Check. Beat homosexuals and nonbelievers to death? Check. Genocide? Check.The Bible is of great historical significance, but when used as one's sole basis for decision making, the blind acceptance of its authority becomes a barrier against rationality and an excuse for any action, be it moral or immoral. This fact, rather than its ill-gained reputation as morally superior, is more likely the reason behind the Bible's longevity.While the Bible does have a few good, but hardly original, ideas about how to live, it can easily be dismissed as an authority without sacrificing morality. I prefer critical thinking and empathy as the foundation for morality over any unquestionable authoritarian decree. It's OK for one’s moral landscape to change over time as new ideas or values are accepted, and it’s OK to dismiss the notion of biblical authority and to realize that morality is more than blind obedience. Questioning, debate, and reconsideration are far superior tools for honing one's moral repertoire.Chad GilbertHudsonville